Jade Empire - SE Reviews @ Gamepyre, NZ Gamer

by Dhruin, 2007-03-22 20:21:50

Jade Empire: Special Edition has been reviewed at Gamepyre, with a score of 84%, covering the usual issues in a short multi-page format. Here's a clip:

The gameplay in this game is similar to Knights of the Old Republic, although more action-oriented. From the very beginning of the game, you’re in combat. Sure, there are the slow times, but what RPG doesn’t have those? The combat system feels pretty standard at first, until you get a bit into the game.

Yes it is standard fare for an RPG (and I suppose it is one of those questions we all ask ourselves: who will be the first to take RPGs to the next new level?), but there is so much about this game that is done well, that you’re not too bothered by what cliché you do come across. For starters, the characters are absolutely superb. Everyone has a story to tell, even the crazy old man down on the beach; all you have to do is ask. And they’re interesting stories, all quite different. What’s more, the voice acting and dialogue is wonderful. It’s especially great when people speak to you in different languages, such as Tho Fan, the Old Tongue. It makes you realise how games in the past really didn’t get this bit right. How could you travel the length and breadth of a huge world, only to have everyone speak to you in your language? Oh, and I checked the credits, and was pleased to have one suspicion confirmed: I don’t want to completely give it away, but let’s just say that Firefly and Serenity fans will get an extra good vibe out of one cameo in particular.